Almonds

Want to learn how to make macarons? We've taken the guesswork out of making these patisserie beauties, so you can prepare them at home. Our foolproof macarons recipe calls for making your own almond flour (it's so much easier than it seems), then adding just four other ingredients: powdered sugar, egg whites, white sugar, and any filling you please.

Almonds do double duty here -- silky almond butter helps hold the bars together, while chopped toasted almonds add just the right amount of crunch.

Cut into pie-like wedges, this citrusy, streusel-topped bar cookie makes an unexpected yet spectacular Thanksgiving dessert.

Choose Bosc pears that are ripe but still a little firm for the filling of this oat-almond crisp -- they'll stand up well to baking.

Store-bought ice cream is ramped up with almonds, ground coffee beans, and a little flaky salt,and then sandwiched between coffee-swirled meringues to form this coffee meringue-ice cream cake. It's a cappuccino lover's dream.

Considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia, this spiced chicken-and-rice dinner couldn't have a more beautiful presentation—it's served with fried almonds and raisins, parsley sprigs, and a citrusy yogurt sauce.

It's extra-crunchy and protein-packed, thanks to flaxseeds, almonds, pepitas, and the egg white that binds them all together. Just bake it up and break it up into snackable shards for breakfast on the go.

The kransekake, which translates to "wreath cake", is the signature cake of Norway and a showstopping confection that is made for special occasions. And as impressive as a tall tower made out of eighteen delicate cookie rings is, this sweet stunner is surprisingly straightforward to make. The naturally gluten-free dough is made from processing almonds until finely ground, then confectioners' sugar and egg whites are added to bind it together. After an overnight rest, the dough is rolled into ropes and fitted into specialty molds. Once baked, the rings are stacked sky-high and kept in place with royal icing, which pulls double duty as both glue and garnish.

Martha loves these cookies. Packed with nuts, fruit, and seeds, these wholesome treats are the on-the-go alternative to granola--no bowl, spoon, or milk required.

The snack mix can be made one week ahead and stored at room temperature.

Baking the oatmeal may seem to be a lot of fuss. But once it comes out of the oven, you will not be sorry you waited.

If you prefer some other dried fruit, such as cranberries, you can add them to this mix.